Beijing, Nov 6 (AP) China’s appointment of former international Shao Jiayi as national team head coach on Wednesday has been welcomed at home and abroad.
Shao, 45, played at the 2002 World Cup — China’s only appearance at the tournament — and is considered one of the nation’s most successful exports after spending nine years in Germany.
As a coach, Shao previously served as an assistant with the national side and took over Qingdao West Coast in 2024. The club currently sits ninth in the Chinese Super League.
“I support the decision,” former China international Mao Jianqing said. “Shao Jiayi is capable, and his personality and other aspects are suitable. The national team can’t be changed by one coach immediately—it takes time.” China has been without a permanent coach since Branko Ivankovic of Croatia departed in June following the team’s elimination from 2026 World Cup qualifying.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) advertised the position to domestic and international candidates and said the appointment was made after “taking into full consideration the experience and lessons of previous national team coach selections, the current situation and level of Chinese men’s football, the long-term development of the national team, as well as the qualities and coaching abilities of the candidates and expert opinions.” As a player, Shao made nearly 200 appearances for German clubs 1860 Munich, Energie Cottbus and MSV Duisburg between 2002 and 2011 before returning to his original club Beijing Guoan where he ended his career in 2015.
The German Football Association congratulated Shao and the CFA on the appointment. “We look forward to seeing China’s national team reach new heights under his leadership, and the Bundesliga remains committed to long-term cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of Chinese football,” it said in a statement.
Shao becomes the third member of China’s 2002 World Cup squad to coach the national team, following Li Tie, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence on corruption charges, and Li Xiaopeng.
His first task is to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. (AP) APA APA
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